AMST 100 - Introduction to American Studies

Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)

This course reveals and challenges the histories of the categories that contribute to the definition of “America.” The course explores ideas such as nationhood and the nation-state, democracy and citizenship, ethnic and racial identity, myths of frontier and facts of empire, borders and expansion, normativity and representation, sovereignty and religion, regionalism and transnationalism as these inform our understanding of the United States and American national identity. One goal of the course is to introduce students to important concepts and works in American Studies. Either AMST 100 or AMST 105 will satisfy the 100-level core requirement of the American Studies major. Topics vary with expertise of the faculty teaching the course.

Topic for 2016/17a: People, Culture, and Place. A dynamic introduction to the interdisciplinary field of American Studies by focusing on the key concerns of people, culture, and place. Lisa Collins.

Open to freshmen and sophomores only.

Two 75-minute periods.